Are you experiencing intense itchiness on your genitalia as well as vaginal discharge? Well, you may be suffering from Vulva Vaginal Candidiasis.
So what is Vulva Vaginal Candidiasis?
Vulva Vaginal Candidiasis is a yeast infection which is very common among women of childbearing age.
It has a high prevalence in Kenya with women between the ages of 26-35 being at the greatest risk of acquiring the infection.
Vulva Vaginal Candidiasis the second most common cause of vaginitis, the most common cause being bacterial vaginosis.
It happens as a result of an overgrowth of yeast called candida albicans.
Your vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast, including candida, and bacteria. Certain bacteria (lactobacillus) act to prevent an overgrowth of yeast.
But that balance can be disrupted. An overgrowth of candida or penetration of the fungus into deeper vaginal cell layers causes the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection.
Vulva Vaginal Candidiasis isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection. But, there’s an increased risk of vaginal yeast infection at the time of first regular sexual activity. There’s also some evidence that infections may be linked to mouth to genital contact (oral-genital sex.
Risk factors to vulva vaginal candidiasis include:
- Antibiotic use. Yeast infections are common in women who take antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, which kill a range of bacteria, also kill healthy bacteria in your vagina, leading to overgrowth of yeast.
- Increased estrogen levels. Yeast infections are more common in women with higher estrogen levels — such as pregnant women or women taking high-dose estrogen birth control pills or estrogen hormone therapy.
- Uncontrolled diabetes. Women with poorly controlled blood sugar are at greater risk of yeast infections than women with well-controlled blood sugar.
- Impaired immune system. Women with lowered immunity — such as from corticosteroid therapy or HIV infection — are more likely to get yeast infections.
- Certain lifestyle behavior’s e.g. wearing scented tampons or pads, use of vaginal deodorant’s, douching can all increase the risk of acquiring vulva vaginal candidiasis
Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Candidiasis
Yeast infection symptoms can range from mild to moderate, and include:
- Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
- A burning sensation of the vulva(the tissue at the vaginal opening)
- Dyspareunia(pain during sexual intercourse)
- Pain while passing urine(dysuria)
- Vaginal pain, redness and soreness
- Vaginal rash
- Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge that resembles curdled milk(mala)
Management
Vulva vaginal Candidiasis in Kenya is normally managed through lab investigations and a detailed history as well as examination by your doctor.
Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will prescribe anti-fungal (either oral or pessaries) you will also be advised on lifestyle changes as indicated below.
In case you experience either of the above signs and symptoms, you can reach out to us on our website https://hellodaktari.co.ke to book an appointment and get treatment as well as tailored advice on the same.
Prevention
- To reduce your risk of vaginal yeast infections, wear underwear that has a cotton crotch and doesn’t fit too tightly
- Ensure that you keep your blood sugar within normal ranges if you are diabetic.
- Avoid use of feminine deodorants
- Do not use scented tampons or pads
- Avoid tight-fitting pantyhose
- Avoid douching, which removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection
- Avoid use of hot tubs and very hot baths
- Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics
- Incorporate plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet in order to keep your immunity on check.
Contact
Phone: +254 723662062
Email: info@hellodaktari.co.ke